Following the World Rugby meetings in March this year, SANZAAR and the Six Nations (“the Nations”) have been working closely over the lockdown period against a set of key principles between the parties, to develop and agree proposals for an aligned global calendar. Even though there may be different preferences, from the outset the Nations have adopted a mindset that has sought to eliminate self-interest and recognise that the international and club game have shared mutual benefits that if approached and managed correctly can enable both to flourish. A further consultation process, in total transparency with unions, clubs and players, will commence as all parties work towards an aligned global calendar that can deliver a clear and coherent narrative.

The key principles that have underpinned the work to date are;

Significantly mitigate overlaps between club and country fixtures

Better aligned player release windows for players, stakeholders and competitions

Improve player welfare

Improve narrative and competitiveness of International and Domestic Competitions around clear windows

Define clear high-performance pathways for Emerging Nations through the delivery of an internationally more inclusive game

Evolve competition structures that are underpinned with enhanced commercial offerings

Restore public faith in the core values of rugby and showing strong collective leadership in the best interests of the game.

The Nations together with other key stakeholders remain open to shape the options that have been developed in an effort to resolve an issue that has held the game back for many years and are committed to putting rugby on a progressive path.